Survival Under Protection - Book Two (Sequel)

38 - Together Yet Separated

Happy Sunday :)

Recap (Chap 34):

Ria had a faint smile, but then she removed my hand from hers, "I will stay only when each one in this house thinks that I deserve to stay here."

Saying this, she headed to the ground floor and then towards the main door.

"Ria, wait!" Daniel and I(John) called out, and instantly we heard our doorbell ring. Ria looked at the clock and then at me. It was 5.30 in the morning, and we never had a visitor at this time. I signaled Ria to stay put and opened the door.

"Oh, John! It's so good to see you? How did you like the surprise? I am sure Jack will love it, won't he?" I nodded slowly while mom and dad came inside the home.

AND NOW...

BEAUFORT: RIA'sPOV

"Mom, dad....?" I whispered while being completely stunned.

-"You guys... at this hour?"

-"Are you guys really here?"

My brothers too had the same reaction from in their words and eyes, as we looked clueless at each other.

"Yes, my dear children! It was becoming impossible day by day for me to be away from you, my children!" Mom spoke as she looked at dad for a nod, kept down her handbag, and added, "and why are you guys all up, so early morning? Let me guess, you are planning for Jack's birthday party right? I missed you all so... so much!"

Mom's smile was exuberant as she extended her arms towards us to hug me and John, and called all my brothers. It felt amazing for the next couple of seconds. I realized I forgot everything going on until I tilted my head sideways and looked at Logan's eyes. They were not cheerful like us, not even for a moment. They were angry, hurt and tensed.

Dad noticed the same as he placed to large luggage bags at a corner, I guess, when he called out for Logan, "Logan, my buddy. You don't seem happy. Come here and give me a hug. Well, where is the birthday boy, my Jack?"

Dad hugged Logan and his last words caused something that saw was one of the rarest even.

Logan cried...

"Logan, what's wrong?" Mom panicked as she stepped away from us and walked to Logan. Dad looked alert as well. Alex too had tears in his eyes and Joe turned him away to hide from mom and dad. Andy patted Alex back, John and Daniel walked to Logan to give him assurance.

I too, took a couple of steps towards my brothers. But then looked at Andy's eyes looking back at me... not the old mischievous eyes that played pranks on me, irritated me, loved and cared me. But eyes filled with coldness, anger and disgust for me. I stopped right there in the middle of the hall, all alone.

John placed his hand over Logan's shoulder and Logan replied as he wiped his tears after clearing his throat, "Nothing, ma. I am just feeling overwhelmed seeing you both... I am so happy. And Jack, umm, he is out with his friends for celebrating. I... um..."

Alex took over while he tried to make a cheerful face, "Yeah, mom and dad. Jack ditched us last night only. He left without informing. I think he wants a long vacation with his friends. Yes, we got up to make arrangements for him, even asked Daniel to stay back. I think we should go back to our rooms and sleep."

Dad nodded hesitantly, but mom's expression changed, "Enough hiding things from your mom."

-"Mom, I am not hiding any-"